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Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based in Art

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Completion requirement

The program core for all Master of Fine Arts students is a minimum of 24 units. Within the first twelve months of the program each student must complete 6 units of 600-level studio course; 6 units of 600-level graduate seminar and Art 605. Three units of 600-level graduate seminar and 6 units of 600-level studio course must be completed in the second twelve months of the program. In some circumstances, the Department may require a student to complete more than the mandatory 24 units.

Typical course sequence is the following:

Complete ALL of the following Courses:
  • 1500301
    AND
    1640731
    AND
    1637811
    AND
    1026181
    AND
    1026201
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
  • 1636531
    AND
    1652071
    AND
    1652081
Completion requirement

Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

The department of Art will not permit the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course that is applicable to their degree; or apply any course awarded a grade of CG towards their graduation requirements.

Students may not choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will affect students' eligibility for internal awards.


Time Limit

Expected completion time for the Master of Fine Arts degree is two years. Maximum completion time is four years.

Completion requirement

Supervisory Assignments

Each new student is assigned an interim advisor to assist in the planning of the academic program and in orienting the student to the Department's physical and academic resources. A permanent supervisor is appointed by January 1 of the first academic year of registration. The approval of a permanent supervisor, by the Graduate Program Director, is made after consultation with the student. Supervisors work closely with students in all phases of the program; they have the principal responsibility in assessing the student's performance, and advising the Department Head of the student's progress.

Once the student has finalized the choice of a supervisor, a supervisory committee is struck. It will normally consist of the supervisor and one internal or external member. If the student has a co-supervisor, then one additional member is still required. See Supervision for more information.


Required Examinations

Thesis Examination

Final thesis oral examinations are open. In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Thesis Examinations, the Department requires:

Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis, before an examination can be scheduled.

Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

Completion requirement

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar.

Students applying for scholarships must submit their applications to the Department of Art by January 15.

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